When boarding an airplane, we have two types of baggage: cabin baggage and checked baggage. Cabin baggage refers to the items we carry onto the plane ourselves.
Checked baggage, on the other hand, includes items we hand over at check-in to be placed in the airplane's luggage hold. While both types of baggage are transported on the plane, there are different rules for what can be included in cabin baggage versus checked baggage.
Previously, I discussed what items are not allowed in checked baggage. Now, I will cover items that are prohibited in the aircraft cabin.
Some items are permitted in checked baggage but not in the cabin, while others are entirely prohibited on the plane. These items are detected during the security check before entering the boarding area. Here is the list:
Liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs, Aerosols, Gels) are items that I often see being taken by security check officers. These include drinking water, perfume, liquid soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving foam, hand and body lotion, eucalyptus oil, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and more.
You can take them to the aircraft cabin long as they are in containers of 100 milliliters (volume), 100 grams (weight), or less. Containers larger than 100 milliliters or 100 grams, even if only partially filled, must be handed in to checked baggage. That's why travelers usually move their soap and other liquids to special bottles under 100ml.
These bottles should also not be stored carelessly. Everything must be put into clear plastic with a lid or Ziplock. The total of all LAGs one brings into the cabin must not exceed 1 Liter.
As mentioned above, even if you use containers bigger than 100 ml but it's only filled partially, it's still prohibited. My husband told me that the security officer at Changi Airport Singapore once took his toothpaste because the weight was about 120 grams, though it was half full.
How about LAGs items bought from duty-free shop?
Liquid, aerosol, and gel items obtained from a duty-free shop should be kept in the sealed bag called a security tamper-evident bag (STEB) provided at the time of purchase. Purchasers must also show acceptable proof of purchase at the airside at that airport.
Another liquid item, like alcohol, is only allowed if it's below 70%. Any alcohol with an ABV over 70% (or 140 proof) is strictly prohibited on the aircraft. Either onto your carry-on or the baggage.
A power bank is such a life-saver for many travelers! It becomes our best friend when we're miles away from anywhere and gives an extra burst of battery life to our devices, ensuring to stay in touch with the world! However, we need to be cautious when taking it for travel.
Since 2018, almost all airlines and airports have banned passengers from bringing power banks with a capacity of over 160 Wh. Either onto their carry-on or baggage. Even some of the power bank capacities are only allowed on board but depend on the airline's approval.
Then, how do we know if our power bank can go on board?
Make sure to check the label of your power bank when you buy it. It usually provides information about its battery capacity (either in Wh or MAh). If you can't find it, the easiest way is not to buy or bring a power bank with a capacity over 30.000 mAh because it won't exceed 160 Wh anyway.
Can I charge my phone using a power bank during a flight?
No. Using a power bank during a flight is strictly forbidden. You can only take it with you, not use it. So, make sure to charge your phone before a flight.
Another frequently asked question when one's going on board is whether they can or can't bring a pocket lighter or one book of matches. This regulation may vary for every airline. Some airline allows their passengers to take them, and some aren't.
So, the best thing to do is to display the lighters or matches when you pass the security check and let them decide it for you. Another choice is not to take them at all to your destination. You can buy them in your destination city/country, I guess.
Sharp objects or any sharp-edged objects are not allowed on an aircraft. These items should be packed in your checked baggage and be covered or securely wrapped to avoid injuring others. These items include scissors, knives, swords, razor blades, axes, penknives, corkscrews, wine openers, and many others.
Can I bring my nail clippers on the plane?
Yes. You can bring your nail clippers in your carry-on bags. However, some airlines don't allow you to take a nail clipper that includes a sharp nail filer. So, the final decision falls on the officer on whether that item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Carpentry tools are not allowed in the cabin but can be placed in checked baggage. These include drills, screwdrivers, chisels, crowbars, saws, hammers, pliers, and other tools commonly used by builders.
This category includes items that can be used to hit, even if they aren't specifically made for that purpose. For example, camera tripods are usually prohibited in the cabin because they could be used to hit someone.
Other items in this category include golf clubs, baseball bats, billy clubs, blackjacks, nightsticks, hockey sticks, billiard cues, fishing rods, and other objects that could be dangerous if used to strike someone.
Items containing hazardous chemicals are not allowed on the plane, whether in the cabin or checked baggage, even if the volume is below 100ml.
This includes substances like bleach, pesticides, arsenic, cyanide, lye, mercury, battery water, butane, propane, acetic acid, chlorine, pepper spray, tear gas, and formalin.
Flammable items are also banned from the cabin. These include fireworks, firecrackers, gunpowder, paint, paint thinner, charcoal, coal, ethanol, and Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE) with Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) systems. Canned gas cylinders for portable stoves are also prohibited, though the stoves themselves are allowed.
Carrying firearms on a plane is strictly prohibited and can lead to arrest. This includes air pistols, pellet guns, signal fire pistols, and starter pistols. Toy guns or non-gun weapons, like industrial nail guns, crossbows, and firearm-shaped lighters, are also banned.
Live flowers or plants in pots cannot be taken on a plane, either in the cabin or checked baggage. Only dried or dead flowers and plants are allowed.
Bringing food and drinks is usually allowed on domestic flights, but international flights have stricter regulations. Prohibited items often include ready-to-eat meals and animal-derived foods like meat, milk, yogurt, and strong-smelling foods like durian and jackfruit.
These are the various items you cannot bring into the airplane cabin. Avoid carrying them to prevent confiscation by airport security. In some cases, you could face legal consequences.
Remember, regulations vary by airline, airport, and country. Some items might be allowed in one place but banned in another. Always check the rules and policies of your airline and destination country before flying.
I hope this article helps first-time flyers. For more tips, check out my tutorial on how to board a plane for beginners.
